Washington high on Best Cities for Grads list

Only 45 percent of this spring’s college graduates have a job offer waiting for them, but prospects are much better in some cities than others, and Washington is among the best places for graduates to start their new life, both professionally and socially, according to a list of top cities for graduates.

NerdWallet Inc.’s Top Ten Cities for Recent Graduates is based on the percentage of the population between 18 and 24 years old, the number of bars per 1,000 residents, the city’s walkability, rent prices, the availability of jobs and the unemployment rate.

Boston ranked No. 1 on the financial planning site’s list. It has the youngest population and strong research, health care and finance job opportunities.

Washington is No. 6 on the list.

“Washington has always been popular with recent college graduates, as evidenced by its rank as the second-most populous place for 18 to 24 year olds,” NerdWallet said. “The city is highly walkable and has a moderate unemployment rate, making it likely that you’ll be able to afford that sky-high rent.”

In Washington, 14.5 percent of the population is 18 to 24 years old. The average two-bedroom apartment rents for $1,823 a month, second only to San Francisco on the Top 10 list.

The cost of a movie ticket averages $11.34, the highest on the list, and the city has 0.57 bars per 1,000 residents.